Flamingos live primarily in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with their distribution depending on the species. Their characteristic habitats include large alkaline or saline lakes, estuarine lagoons, mangrove swamps, tidal flats, and sandy islands in intertidal zones, often in areas with little vegetation
. Geographic distribution by species:
- South America: Chilean, Andean, and James's (Puna) flamingos are found in countries such as Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and the Falkland Islands. They inhabit high-altitude salt lakes, coastal wetlands, and lagoons, especially in the Andes region and the Atacama Desert
- Africa: Greater and lesser flamingos are widespread across eastern, southwestern, and western Africa. The lesser flamingo is especially abundant in places like Tanzania's Lake Natron, the world’s largest breeding ground. The greater flamingo also extends into northern Africa and sub-Saharan regions
- Middle East and Southern Asia: The greater flamingo is found in northwest India, the Middle East, and parts of southern Asia, including some populations in India and limited presence in southern Europe
- The Caribbean and North America: The American or Caribbean flamingo is native to Mexico, the Caribbean islands (including Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos), and the northernmost tip of South America. They inhabit coastal lagoons, salt flats, and wetlands in these warm regions
- Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos flamingo lives year-round in the shallow, brackish waters of the Galapagos archipelago
In summary, flamingos live near saline or alkaline water bodies in warm climates across parts of South America, Africa, the Middle East, southern Asia, the Caribbean, and some Atlantic islands
